June 10, 2026
Good day, and welcome to the Fairfax County NewsCenter podcast. Coming up, learn about updated fees for zoning applications, Fairfax250, E-bikes and the LDS Commercial Fast Track Program. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at fairfaxcounty.gov.
Starting July 1st, Fairfax County implemented updated fee schedules for Land Development Services and zoning applications. The adjustments are intended to reflect the increase in costs related to inflation and personnel over recent years while ensuring the continuation of high-quality county services. The Board of Supervisors approved these fee adjustments on May 5, fulfilling the request to review fees every two years. Zoning application fees increased by 5% on July 1. The minimum expenditure for Planned District Recreational Facilities will rise by 5% per residential dwelling unit in specific zoning districts, from $2,400 to $2,520. Certain fees will remain unchanged, including fees for select wireless reviews, family healthcare structures and appeals. Reduced fees were approved for non-profits seeking a minor variation or minor modification to proffered conditions; as well as the special permit for the reduction of minimum distance requirements for manufactured homes. NewsCenter has all the details. Visit fairfaxcounty.gov/news.
Good news for anyone interested in electrifying their homes with a high-efficiency heat pump. The Switch Together Heat Pump program has extended the registration deadline to July 15. Homeowners that participate in the program can see an average discount of 15% on the installation of a heat pump. The program is offered by national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors, and is promoted by Fairfax County and other cities and counties in the DMV area. Heat pumps provide energy‑efficient heating and cooling year-round, helping lower your bills, modernize your home, and improve reliability and performance — making them a smart choice for sustainable living. If your HVAC system or water heater is at or near end of life, it is worth exploring a heat pump replacement. Visit SwitchTogether.com/HeatPumps/FairfaxCounty to learn more and register.
America is celebrating its 250th birthday this year and Fairfax County offers plenty of ways to join the festivities. With activities and programs defined for residents of all ages, these events remind us how much of our nation’s history took place right here in our own backyard and allow us to memorialize the people, places and moments that helped define Fairfax County today. Want even more ways to celebrate the birth of our nation’s independence? Be sure to check the Fairfax250 website. Events are always being added, so check back regularly. www.fxva.com/fairfax250.
If you’ve noticed more electric bikes along our trails, neighborhoods and at Capital Bikeshare stations, you’re not imagining it. E‑bikes have become one of the most popular ways to get around our county. These battery‑assisted bicycles make it easier to climb hills, carry groceries, and take longer or more frequent trips without breaking a sweat. E‑bikes can also replace short car trips, the ones that often cause the most congestion. That’s good for the environment. Of course, more people on e-bikes, regular bikes or simply walking can make navigating our streets a little more challenging. Virginia groups e‑bikes into three categories. Vehicles exceeding these specifications are classified as mopeds or motorcycles. NewsCenter has more information. Just search for "e-bikes gain speed" on fairfaxcounty.gov/news.
Subscribe to “Weekender,” the county’s weekend arts and entertainment e-newsletter. “Weekender” brings together offerings from around the county and delivers that info right to your inbox. Don’t miss out on fun happenings throughout the county. Subscribe to “Weekender” at fairfaxcounty.gov/news/weekender.
The Department of Land Development Services is making it faster and easier for businesses to invest in Fairfax County. LDS has made processing changes and reallocated staffing resources to speed up its Commercial Fast Track building plan reviews, reducing the review time for eligible projects from 13 business days to two to three business days. The goal is simple: help businesses move their projects forward without long delays. This is following the success of the department’s Residential Fast Track program, which recently helped residents see a reduced review time from five businesses days to one. This change provides greater predictability, improved service and faster turnaround times for eligible projects, helping customers move their projects forward more efficiently. For questions, contact staff by phone at 703-222-0801, option 2, or by email at LDSBuildingPermits@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination recently released the 2025 Climate Action Progress and Highlights Report, documenting another year of significant gains toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building a more climate-resilient Fairfax County. The report outlines progress across county operations and the broader community, including major steps forward in clean energy, sustainable development, climate-ready infrastructure and support for residents most vulnerable to the impacts of “warmer, wetter and weirder” weather. Highlights from the report include more energy efficient county facilities, expanded solar capacity, enhanced support for residents taking climate action and better climate data. To view the report and other climate related progress data, visit fairfaxcounty.gov and search “Climate Action Dashboard.”
Finally, if you’ve enjoyed this podcast and want to hear more about the people and programs of Fairfax County Government, listen to the “County Conversation” podcast. You can find it, and several other county podcasts, at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts.
That’s all for this NewsCenter podcast. Thanks for listening. For more information about the topics in this podcast and for news updates, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/news. Follow the NewsCenter podcast on soundcloud.com/fairfaxcounty and our podcasts webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts. You can also listen 24/7 online to Fairfax County Government Radio at fairfaxcounty.gov/radio. If you have questions, call 703-FAIRFAX, that’s 703-324-7329, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or email publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov. The NewsCenter podcast is produced by the Fairfax County, Va., Government.
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